Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass fishing near Highwood, Illinois, centers around smaller lakes and forest preserve impoundments in the surrounding area, as Lake Michigan is generally better known for its salmon and trout. While not a trophy bass destination, these waters can provide enjoyable action. Spring and fall are the peak seasons, with pre-spawn and post-spawn activity heating up the bite. During the summer, focus on early morning and late evening hours to avoid the heat and find active fish. Target structure like weed lines, docks, and submerged timber with crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and Texas-rigged plastics. A practical tip: explore the Skokie Lagoons, a chain of interconnected lagoons offering diverse habitat. Access is generally good, with several parking areas and walking trails. The bass in these lagoons can be pressured, so try finesse techniques like drop-shotting or wacky-rigging to entice bites. The average size is typically in the 1-3 pound range, but larger fish are certainly possible.